
University Profile
University of Reading

University of Reading campus
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
About University of Reading
The University of Reading, established in 1892, is a globally respected research institution with distinctive strengths in agriculture, food security, meteorology, and real estate. Located 40 minutes from central London by train, Reading benefits from proximity to the capital while maintaining a distinct campus identity on the beautiful 130-hectare Whiteknights site.
Reading's strength in agricultural sciences and food research is unparalleled in the UK, supported by extensive farmland and partnerships with agricultural and food industry leaders. The meteorology and atmospheric science programmes are globally recognised, with staff contributing to IPCC assessments. The real estate and land management programmes are unique in UK higher education.
Key Highlights
- 1World-leading agriculture and food security research (REF 2021 top 10)
- 2UK's only dedicated real estate and land management research school
- 3Top-ranked meteorology and atmospheric science in the UK
- 4Whiteknights campus: one of the UK's most beautiful at 130 hectares
- 5Exceptional graduate employment in agriculture, food, property, and environment
Campus & Student Life
Whiteknights campus is one of the UK's most attractive university settings, featuring lakes, woodland, and world-class sporting facilities across 130 hectares. Over 200 student societies cater to every interest. The campus includes modern accommodation, excellent library facilities, and diverse social spaces. Reading's proximity to London makes it ideal for combining campus community with metropolitan access.
For North American Students
Min. GPA (indicative)
Not specified
SAT/ACT Accepted
Yes
Application Route
Via UCAS
English Requirement
Check university website
Reading attracts significant numbers of North American students for agriculture, food science, meteorology, and environmental programmes. The proximity to London while maintaining a distinctive campus community appeals to many NA students. The university accepts AP scores and IB qualifications for undergraduate entry.
Research Strengths
Notable Alumni
Michael Morpurgo
Author of War Horse and former Children's Laureate
Sue Lloyd-Roberts
Award-winning BBC foreign correspondent
Cathy Newman
Channel 4 News presenter
Sir Peter Hendy
Chairman of Network Rail
Key Facts
- Founded
- 1892
- Total Students
- 19,000+
- International Students
- 30%
- Tuition (Int'l UG)
- Β£20,000 β Β£26,000/yr
- Campus Setting
- Campus
π About Reading
Reading, in Berkshire, offers exceptional location benefits: 25 minutes to London Paddington by fast train, yet surrounded by attractive countryside. The town is a major business and technology hub hosting headquarters of numerous multinationals. Windsor Castle, Oxford, and the Cotswolds are all within easy reach.
Ready to Apply?
UK undergraduate applications are made through UCAS. Postgraduate applications go direct to the university.
Visit University Website βCheck UCAS Points βπ Reading City Guide
Find out what it's really like to study and live in Reading.
Read the guide β